Saturday, May 21, 2016

It's time for the D&M Shanghaî Disneyland week-end update and this week, in addition to some great aerial shots we'll have a look at SDL future. I know it can seems a bit odd to talk about the future of a park which is not even officially open yet but the two first weeks of Shanghaî Disneyland are already sold out and the park will most certainly be a huge success from day one.

But, and it's a big "but", does the park has enough capacity for the dozens of thousands of guests who will rush in starting June 16? That's the big question and from what we can see of the waiting times during SDL trial days - up to 195 minutes for the Soaring ride, for instance - when the park didn't even reached its full capacity we can doubt that it will be the case when 60000 guests will be in. I think that everyone knows it, from SDL Imagineers to the folks at Shendi Group and the phase two to add new rides and attractions should come probably pretty quickly, although it always take time to build them. Thanks to pictures showing SDL backstage we'll have a look at the room available for a park expansion, not to mention the land also available in the park here and there. So, let's have a look at all this, shall we?

We'll start by some new aerial pictures shot at night over the park. Above, SDL Castle and Gardens of Imagiantion, below Treasure Cove and Adventure Isle.

Let's have a look now at another kind of aerial pictures, showing SDL backstage areas.

Now, on the two above pics the backstage area may look huge in comparison to the park, but first there is a wide angle lens effect which makes them looking bigger and the park itself being in the picture background looks of course smaller than the backstage in the foreground. So, and although there is a big part of optical effect, Shanghaî Disnyeland has plenty of room for an expansion as you'll see also on the Google Earth satellite shots below.

On the picture above showing SDL Tomrrowland the available backstage room don't seem that big - though they do have some - but behind Fantasyland and Treasure Cove - picture below - it's a whole different story as here they DO have plenty of land available.

And apparently from what a Disney fan has discover on a SDL map recently released online they apparently intend to build Expedition Everest mountain there, nothing less. If you look at the two pics below you'll see that the track in both cases ( from a SDL map and an aerial view of Animal Kingdom ride ) look exactly the same. This one should be located behind Treasure Cove and POTC fortress.

They also have some bits of land available inside the park here and there, which can be big enough for small dark rides but probably not for a big E-Ticket attraction. And of course there is the big land located between Adventure Isle Roaring Rapids and SDL Lake, supposed to be kept for a third hotel though they may change their mind and use it for a park expansion, who knows?

In addition to Expedition Everest which seems to be a done deal rumors of an Alice in Wonderland trackless ride and aMarvel super-hero coaster - probably themed or Spiderman. These must be considered as rumors until an official announcement.

Friday, May 20, 2016

Lots of opening dates annoucements were done today by Disney, all about new attractions coming at Walt Disney World! Beginning May 27, Disney's Animal Kingdom park will awaken at night with new rich experiences under the stars. There’s an exciting lineup of new experiences coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom after the sun sets, including nightly awakenings of the park’s iconic Tree of Life. On May 27, animal spirits will be brought to life each night by magical fireflies that reveal colorful stories of wonder and enchantment along with other amazing sights at the tree.

After the sun sets, you’ll also be able to explore Kilimanjaro Safaris and see the nighttime behavior of the wildlife and better tune into the unique vocalization of the animals like never before. Among the new experiences, the village of Harambe in Africa will become the place to enjoy “Wildlife Parti” and the spirited community of Discovery Island will come together to celebrate their love of the natural world with the Discovery Island Carnivale.

FastPass+ and dining packages for Disney’s Animal Kingdom night experiences will become available beginning tomorrow, May 21.

Also at Animal Kingdom on May 28th: The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic

Animal Kingdom Discovery River will awaken at night and become a stunning stage for performances of the limited-engagement show The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic, inspired by the hit live-action film Disney’s The Jungle Book. Shows will feature memorable moments from the film, including the iconic Shere Khan, and will be filled with music and special effects that celebrate the movie and classic songs, infused with an Indian influence.

Epcot Frozen Ever After ride, Royal Sommerhus will open their doors on June 21!

Two new “Frozen” experiences – the Frozen Ever After attraction and the adjacent Royal Sommerhus – will officially open their doors this June 21.

Located in the Norway pavilion at the park, Frozen Ever After offers guests an adventurous boat tour through the kingdom of Arendelle. Guests are first transported to the “Summer Snow Day” Celebration where Queen Elsa embraces her magical powers to create a beautiful “winter-in-summer” day for the entire kingdom. Next, guests will pass Troll Valley on their way up the icy North Mountain to Queen Elsa’s Ice Palace before their return trip to the Bay of Arendelle.

Fastpass+ will be available for Frozen Ever After. Guests can begin booking FastPass+ for this experience on Saturday, May 21.

The nearby Royal Sommerhus, Anna and Elsa’s summer home, will open its doors to guests and the royal sisters themselves will be there for greeting opportunities.

The Norway Pavilion will open at 9 a.m., along with the Future World area of Epcot.

On June 17th Soarin’ Around the World will debut at Epcot but the classic Soarin' Over California is back from May 27!

Epcot guests will enjoy farewell flights when the classic Soarin’ returns to The Land pavilion in Future World starting May 27. The attraction reopens at Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort before the new film, Soarin’ Around the World, debuts next month at Disney parks in Shanghai, California and Florida. Disney FastPass+ service will be available starting May 21 for this limited opportunity to enjoy the classic Soarin’ experience at Epcot.

The classic Soarin’ film based on the popular Disney California Adventure park attraction, Soarin’ Over California, is a multi-sensory adventure with stunning views over California’s popular sites including the Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley and Yosemite National Park to name a few. You’ll swear you feel the mist from the ocean. Don’t miss your chance to experience Soarin’ Over California at Disney California Adventure now through June 15, and at Epcot through June 16.

Last Chance to Experience the Classic Soarin’ at Epcot Before Soarin’ Around the World Debuts on June 17

The new film, Soarin’ Around the World, debuts June 17 at Disney California Adventure park at Disneyland Resort and Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort the day after its world premiere at Shanghai Disneyland and highlights landmarks from across the globe.

June 17th will be also the debut of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at Disney's Hollywood Studios!

This new nighttime show, which will be the most elaborate fireworks display in this park’s history, will begin nightly performances on June 17. This elaborate show will combine fireworks, pyrotechnics, special effects and video projections that will turn the park’s Chinese Theater and other buildings into the twin suns of Tatooine, a field of battle droids, the trench of the Death Star, Starkiller Base and other Star Wars destinations. And the show, which will feature music from throughout the film franchise, will be punctuated with a tower of fire and spotlight beams, creating a massive lightsaber in the sky.

On June 17th Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire will also debut at WDW Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle Frecourt Stage.

“Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” brings to life beloved Disney stories both classic and contemporary in a spectacular performance featuring an original song, memorable music, lively dancing, delightful costumes and special effects magic. Mickey and his troupe of Merry Makers have invited friends from other lands to join them in a grand celebration. So in addition to favorites like Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy, the show also brings together a wonderful cast of characters from some of Disney’s newest classics: “Frozen,” “Tangled” and “The Princess and the Frog.”

“Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” celebrates the unique stories of the citizens who make up this magical kingdom and the wonderful things that can happen when we try new things, go to new places and get to know new friends.

Hong Kong Disneyland Marvel’s Iron Man Experience has officially begun its ride tests! Iron Man Experience is the new attraction for HKDL Tomorrowland and will open this fall. And considering all the buzz that is happening for the opening of Shanghaî Disneyland, the least we can say is that HKDL will really need a new ride!

From The Disney Blog: "Iron Man Experience is the all-new attraction we’ve been eagerly waiting for since it was first announced in 2013. Hong Kong Disneyland announced today that ride system tests by their expert team of Walt Disney Imagineers are a go as construction nears completion. Once it opens, it will officially be the first Marvel ride-through attraction at a Disney Park. The new ride will be opening in Stark Expo in Tomorrowland.

The story begins when Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) decides to bring the Stark Expo to the park. Guests can visit the Expo and explore the latest and greatest innovations from Stark Industries. They’ll go aboard an Iron Wing vehicle, the latest flying transport invented by Stark Industries, and journey through Hong Kong streets and the iconic city harbor as they battle against the evil forces of Hydra alongside Iron Man.

The new Marvel-themed area will also include a cool interactive “Become Iron Man” experience, exclusive themed merchandise and an immersive, story-driven character greeting with the man himself…Iron Man."

At last a video of the SDL Tomorrowland Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue full ride. Filmed by Matthew Finnemore, the one who did the great POTC video, the filming is okay but a bit less good than his previous videos as he didn't resisted to fire with the laser gun at the same time. As about the ride itself, i have a mixed opinion about it as i'm not sure it's better than the regular version of the Buzz Lightyear ride we know, probably because too many "ennemies" look the same, at least from what i can see on the video...

Edit: We've got a second full ride video for SDL Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue and, although Matthew Eberle who filmed it was shooting with a laser gun at the same time, it's a better quality video than the one above, which is already of good quality. Still not 100% what i'd like to see of the ride - camera centered a bit too much on the target and not enough big shots of the whole rooms - but i 'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Hello everyone, and welcome to a new Disneyland Paris update with great pictures by Max, D&M contributor and DLP Welcome webmaster. Let’s go to Disneyland Park with the work in Fantasia Gardens site that should be finished by Spring 2017.

Welcome to Disneyland Park… Here is Main Street Station.

Considering the number of renovations in different lands right now the Park is quite limited. Have a look at the map below showing only the areas to which guests can have access.

At Star Tours : The Work Continue. Destruction of flower beds, destruction of the sign of attraction and destruction of the ground under the Disneyland Railroad station

Below, the Concept art of the futur entrance of the new version of the ride.

In the The Lucky Nugget Saloon restaurant a new show was created, and it’s good to see this, but the french cancan miss us since more than 10 years!You have now 3 live shows and the choice between country music songs and puppets shows. A very good animation for the tables near the stage.

Renovation works continues on Big Thunder Mountain, and the mountain is now fully cleaned and begins to have new colors.

The edge of the Lake has been again repainted and part of the ground was destroyed in the street of Thunder Mesa.

Early June, you'll have to add Fort Comstock in the list of Frontierland areas closed for refurbishment.

The bridge leading to the Snow White wishing well is now closed due to its obsolescence...The wood is rotten ! The question remains, in how long Disney will launch its renovation.

Thanks to DisneylandBerry for the information.

In the second Park, at the entrance of the Walt Disney Studios, the main fountain was activated.

In Backlot an under layer of paint has been applied in the queue of Rock ‘ no Roller Coaster as well as sanding of metal structures.

Spring is here in Ratatouille mini land!

Nothing new at « Animagique Theater ».

New official artwork of the upcoming show Mickey and the Magician coming at Walt Disney Studios Park starting July 2.

The « Hotel Cheyenne » is now in renovation for updating rooms ( from a far-west theme to Toy Story). The work will be done in several phases.

And that's it for this new Disneyland Paris update, Max will be back soon with new picture and in the meantime here is the promo for thenot-to-be-missed gorgeous Disneyland Paris book!

Last month special offer on the book done to celebrate DLP 24th Anniversary had ended on April 30 but with all the news recently about Shanghaî DInsyeland i didn't had the time to change the Paypal buttons which still display the promo price. So, it's your chance to still enjoy the special offer while it last and to orderthe "Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality"
book in its english regular and updated edition OR in its french
collector edition at the special price of
60 € (+ 15 € shipping worldwide) for the english updated edition or the
french collector edition!
Special note to buyers with a shipping address in ITALY or BELGIUM : For
shipments to Belgium or Italy, the shipping cost is 25 €.

In addition, ALL buyers will receive a surprise gift that everyone will love!

Do not miss this special offer, and to place your order please send an email to: neverlandeditions@gmail.com Please let me know in your email if you want the english or french edition!

You can pay by Paypal, credit card or bank transfer.

Paypal
payment must be sent to the same email address:
neverlandeditions@gmail.com or you can also use the Paypal button below
or on the right column, make sure to choose how many copies you want. The
Paypal button works for both french or english edition but confirm me
by email or in your Paypal payment which edition you want ( english or
french ).Also note that the Paypal button includes an additional discount for those who want to order 2 or 3 copies instead of one. If
you do NOT have a Paypal account you can pay by credit card, or bank
transfer, just send me an email about it at: neverlandeditions@gmail.comThose
of you who have never seen the book will find below a video
presentation of the full book which will show you each of the 320 pages
of the book AND you can see more pictures on the book website HERE.

Disneyland Paris From Sketch to Reality Book

Although
you've probably heard about this beautiful book, many of you may have
never seen a copy of it. So we've done a video presentation of the full
book which will show you each of the 320 pages of the book! The book
includes 750 pictures of the park, including 250 gorgeous renderings of
Walt Disney Imagineering and stunning pictures of the park seen from
above. The book is so big that it took us seven and a half minutes to
show you the full book, and that's without stopping turning each pages!
So, if you want to have a closer look at a page don't hesitate to stop
the video!

NEW! Disney and more Surveys !

I introduce today on the right bar of this D&M website a series of surveys to know what YOU wish as new additions / rides / lands for Disneyland Paris park and the Walt Disney Studios! Depending of the survey, as indicated, you're asked to choose either one, two, or three choices. And results can be seen instantly.

The folks of Disney are following Disney and more and your opinion may have more influence than you think for future attractions, so make sure to do the survey! The survey don't request any name, email address, etc, so it's totally anonymous. Make sure to think wisely for your answers, as you can choose only one time!

These surveys may not appear on a mobile device so you need to answer them from your computer.

Tower of Terror SURVEY!

I add today Sept 22 a new survey below, and the question for this one is simple : do you wish that the WDS Tower of Terror will be transformed in a Guardians of Galaxy ride, similar to the one at DCA? Go ahead, place your answer!

Choose ONE Favorite Land for DLP WDS

Choose the THREE favorite LANDS you wish for DLP WDS

Previous Article

Hello everyone, thanks to Max, D&M contributor and DLPWelcome webmaster i have for you today a looong article with which you'll hav...

Disneyland Paris Book

The acclaimed Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality 320 pages book is no longer available from the publishing company Neverland Editions which has stop its activities. Anyone looking for an English or French edition copy must send me an email at nme4@wanadoo.fr and i'll tell you where or how to find one. Le livre Disneyland Paris, De l’Esquisse à la Cration n'est plus disponible auprès de la société d'édition Neverland Editions qui a arrêté son activité. Toute personne à la recherche d’un exemplaire du livre en français ou en anglais doit m'envoyer un email à nme4@wanadoo.fr

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NEW! Theme Park Design Book!

David Younger's Theme Park Design & The Art of Themed Entertainment Is the Awesome Book About "Imagineering" that theme parks fans have always dreamed about! Don't miss this fantastic 570 pages book that you can order in one click with the Paypal button below! The Paypal button menu also include an option to buy both the Theme Park Design book AND the Disneyland Paris book if you wish! To learn more about the book, click on the above cover picture.

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